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LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Thanks to the efforts of many people, a Record of Decision to replace the Bonner Bridge was signed by the Federal Highway Administration on December 20, 2010.  The long awaited Record of Decision allows the N.C. Department of Transportation to move ahead with construction of a new bridge over Oregon Inlet.

Dare County Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman Allen Burrus, who represents Hatteras Island said, “This Record of Decision would not have been possible without all the hard work done by the Citizens Action Committee to Replace the Bridge Now and the Bridge Moms. 

Burrus explained, “Together they mobilized an outpouring of public support from around the nation and proved what can happen when a grassroots effort gets cooperation from federal agencies in working together for the good of the people.”

During public hearings in the summer of 2010, the Citizens Action Committee to Replace the Bonner Bridge submitted over 3,200 comments signed by people from all walks of life, plus over 500 on-line comments to NCDOT through this website.  

The Bridge Moms group, which formed following the public hearings, launched a grassroots effort to submit letters from concerned women across America.  These powerful and compelling letters about the future safety and welfare of our children were delivered to First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Beth Midgett, Chair of the Citizens Action Committee to Replace the Bonner Bridge summarized the thoughts of many saying, “There is no doubt that everyone who made comments and wrote letters made a tremendous difference.  She added, “It’s not over yet, but thanks to you, it represents a positive step forward in the right direction.”  Midgett added, “We need people to continue to stay involved until this project is completed.”

Moving forward quickly following the Record of Decision, the N.C. Department of Transportation has already scheduled the first permit negotiation meeting and has three prescreened design-build teams ready to compete.  These represent timesaving measures in clearing the way for construction of the new Bonner Bridge.

STAY INFORMED
Click on the link “Join Our Mailing List” so we can keep you informed, in a timely way, about future developments related to the Bonner Bridge.  By adding your name to our database, we will let you as events unfold in the future.

View "Dare County Applauds Record of Decision"

View Official Public Comments

View Marc Basnight Letter #1

View Marc Basnight Letter #2

View NCDOT receives “Historic Number” of Public Comments

View NCDOT letter to Legislators about the Department of the Interior